Taxi charges across Warwick district could soon increase by around 30 per cent, if plans are signed off by the council.

With fares having not been put up since 2014, local taxi drivers have called on the council to allow them to increase their charges, with Warwick District Council set to consider the plans next week.

An online consultation of local firms saw taxi owners ask for anywhere between a 20 per cent and 50 per cent price hike.

But Warwick District Council (WDC) has proposed a 30 per cent increase - which would still see the authority cease to have one of the cheapest tariffs in the country.

If approved, the change would see the price of a two-mile fare in the day increase from £6 to up to £7.65.

"Requests have been received from the taxi trade for the current Hackney Carriage fare tariffs to be increased," a council report said. 

"The current tariff has been in place since 2014 and should be reviewed in line with the current economic climate."

The fare increases would only apply to the 143 Hackney Carriage taxis registered with WDC, not to private hire vehicles.

Taxi drivers do have the ability to offer discounts, but the council dictates what the maximum rate they can charge is.

If the council's licensing and regulatory committee signs off on the proposal next week, the public will be given the chance to object to the scheme.

If no objections are received, the price hikes will be introduced in May 2024.

"The cost-of-living crisis, including increase in fuel and running costs (maintenance and insurance etc) is considered as the main reason why the council has received several enquiries by the taxi trade for a fare increase," the council report added.

See the full council report here.